The fourth installment of the Big Ten players' poll examines the iconic venues where games take place on fall Saturdays. No league has a better collection of stadiums, and going on the road can be a very difficult experience in the Big Ten.
As a reminder, these interviews took place in recent weeks with 28 Big Ten players representing 11 teams. Big Ten blogger Brian Bennett, WolverineNation's Michael Rothstein, BuckeyeNation's Austin Ward and myself interviewed 2-3 players per team. The players agreed to answer five questions, on the condition of anonymity. While you can guess who said what about whom, we're not revealing any specifics.
Here's Question No. 4: What is the Big Ten's toughest stadium for an opposing player?
Results
Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin -- 9 votes
Beaver Stadium -- 8 votes
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa -- 4 votes
Ohio Stadium, Ohio State -- 3.5 votes
Michigan Stadium, Michigan -- 2.5 votes
Spartan Stadium, Michigan State -- 1 vote
Every player surveyed provided an answer, and one player called it a tie between the Big House and The Shoe. It's no surprise to see Camp Randall on top, as Wisconsin has gone 50-4 on its home field in the past eight seasons. Beaver Stadium also creates an intimidating environment for opposing players. It will be interesting to see if the scene in State College changes at all during the next few seasons, which could be rough for the Nittany Lions. I'm a little surprised Ohio Stadium didn't receive more votes, given the Buckeyes' success there and the intimidating setting. While some might be surprised Nebraska's Memorial Stadium didn't receive votes, keep in mind the Huskers have played just one year in the Big Ten and only four groups of opposing players (Ohio State, Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa) have been to Lincoln. Five other stadiums didn't receive votes -- Illinois' Memorial Stadium, Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium, Indiana's Memorial Stadium and Northwestern's Ryan Field.
The players' poll wraps up Friday with a question about the top offseason story in college football: Penn State.
Previously
Part I: Big Ten coach you want to play for the most
Part II: Big Ten coach you want to play for the least
Part III: Big Ten's dirtiest player